How Do Dental Crowns Protect Teeth?

Your teeth aren’t just there to flash a beautiful smile; you need them to chew, and speak among other things. When some of your teeth become damaged, it can affect your daily routine and your confidence. 

A dental crown procedure can restore the strength and appearance of a damaged tooth, ensuring long-lasting protection. In this blog, we’ll go through how dental crowns protect your teeth and why modern dentistry recommends them for patients.

What are Dental Crowns?

Sometimes, due to decay, injury, or a large filling, a tooth may lose some or most of its structure and will need a crown to continue functioning normally. A dental crown is essentially a strong, protective cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Dental crowns are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so not only are they a solution to strengthening your bite, but they also play an aesthetic purpose in maintaining a natural looking smile.

There are a range of tooth restoration options that are suitable for different dental needs. Dental crowns are typically used for:

• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
• Restoring a tooth that’s already cracked or worn down
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Completing a dental implant or covering a root canal-treated tooth
• Enhancing the look of a tooth that’s discoloured or misshapen

How Dental Crowns Protect Teeth

So, how exactly do dental crowns protect your teeth? Dental crowns act like a helmet that encases your tooth. It shields it from further damage and maintains its structural integrity. Once a crown is placed over your tooth, it serves as a barrier against bacteria and plaque. It’s also strong enough to help you maintain a strong bite.

Here’s how crowns keep your teeth safe:

• Preventing fractures: Decaying or injured teeth are prone to breaking under when used for chewing and biting, especially on hard, sticky, and dense foodstuff. A dental crown redistributes this pressure, minimising the risk of cracks or fractures.
• Sealing vulnerable areas: When a tooth is decayed, it leaves the inner parts of the tooth exposed to harmful bacteria. A crown seals your tooth, preventing bacteria from reaching the more sensitive layers of your tooth like the dentin and the pulp.
• Supporting large fillings: When a tooth has been extensively treated for cavities, a simple filling may not be enough to keep it strong. You’ll need a dental crown to make sure that the tooth gets the proper support it needs to minimise damage.
• Protecting after root canal treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more fragile than others and a dental crown makes sure that that tooth remains durable and strong. Root canals can also take some time and effort to get done, so capping it off with the dental crown ensures your investment in a root canal does not go to waste.

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

At Flagsmile Dental, we believe in making sure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. The process of getting a crown typically involves two visits to our clinic where our dentists will take the time to explain each step thoroughly.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial consultation: We’ll begin with an examination and take X-rays to assess the extent of any damage. If the tooth is too compromised, you might require additional treatments like a root canal before the crown can be placed.
2. Tooth preparation: The next step is preparing the tooth for the crown. We’ll gently reshape the tooth to create enough space for the crown to fit securely. After this, we’ll take impressions to ensure your custom-made crown will fit perfectly. This is important to make sure that your bite and speech are affected, and more so improved, by the new crown.
3. Temporary crown: While your permanent crown is being crafted, we’ll place a temporary one to protect the tooth. This temporary crown allows you to continue chewing and speaking normally until the final crown is ready.
4. Permanent crown placement: On your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary crown and securely bond the permanent one to your tooth. We’ll make sure the fit is perfect, and you’ll leave the office with a fully restored tooth.
5. Follow-up care: After your crown is placed, we’ll provide you with personalised dental crown care tips to ensure the longevity of your new crown and the health of your surrounding teeth.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

The benefits of dental crowns go beyond just protecting a damaged tooth; they can dramatically improve your oral health and boost your confidence. Here’s why crowns are such a popular and effective solution:

• Durability and strength: Crowns are made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, and metal, ensuring they can withstand years of use.
• Natural appearance: Your crown will be custom-made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless, natural look.
• Long-lasting solution: With the proper care, crowns can last up to 10 to 15 years or even longer, making them a great investment in your dental health.
• Improved function: Crowns restore the functionality of your tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile without worrying about it breaking or looking unnatural.
• Enhanced confidence: Whether covering a damaged, discoloured, or misshapen tooth, crowns help restore your smile to its full glory.

Caring for Dental Crowns

To help your dental crown stay in great shape for a long time, it’s important to follow a few dental crowns care tips. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’ll maintain both the crown and your overall oral health.

• Brush and floss regularly: While the crown itself won’t decay, the tooth underneath still requires care. Make sure to brush and floss as you normally would to prevent plaque buildup around the crown.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods: Chewing on hard objects like ice, or sticky foods like caramel, can damage or dislodge your crown. While it’s not necessary to avoid them altogether, remember to cautiously enjoy them with your dental crown in mind.
• Attend regular check-ups: Visit your trusted dentist regularly to check the condition of your crown and catch any issues early on.
• Manage sensitivity: Some patients may experience mild sensitivity after getting a crown. Using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth can help mitigate this.
• Use a nightguard if necessary: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can prevent damage to your crown and natural teeth.

Conclusion

Dental crowns offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for protecting damaged teeth while at the same time restoring their function and appearance. Having a dental crown procedure can give you back your smile and confidence regardless of whether you are dealing with chipped, damaged, discoloured, or root-canal-treated teeth. At Flagsmile Dental, we’re here to guide you through the entire process and ensure that your crown looks and feels just like your natural teeth. With the right dental crown care tips, you can enjoy the benefits of your crown for many years to come.

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